Casualties unknown

Go-Around After Ineffective Brakes Ends in Damaged Landing on Tidal Flats (N3680Z)

Trading Bay, AK, US

On September 12, 1989, a Piper PA-18 (registration N3680Z) operated by James Driskell was involved in an aviation accident near Trading Bay, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT SELECTED UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR HIS INTENDED LANDING AREA. WET TERRAIN/HYDROPLANING CONDITIONS IN THE INITIAL TOUCHDOWN AREA AND AN OBJECT (STUMP) CONTRIBUTED TO THE OCCURRENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot and passenger went duck hunting in Trading Bay. The pilot aborted a landing due to standing water, struck a stump during go-around, then landed on tidal flats with further damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot and a passenger flew to Trading Bay for duck hunting. The pilot intended to land on a grassy flat where he had previously landed. However, heavy rain had occurred in the area before their arrival, leaving one to two inches of standing water on the landing area.

Landing Attempt and Go-Around

During the landing attempt, the pilot found that his brakes were not effective due to the standing water. He elected to perform a go-around. As the aircraft was lifting off to go around, it struck a stump. Despite the impact, the aircraft continued flying.

Control Difficulties and Subsequent Landing

After the collision with the stump, the pilot experienced difficulty controlling the aircraft. He decided to discontinue the go-around and instead landed on tidal flats. During that landing, the aircraft sustained further damage.

Outcome

The aircraft was damaged during the initial stump strike and the subsequent landing on the tidal flats. The pilot did not report any injuries. No additional information about the aircraft type, registration, or other details was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29271. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.